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Cumulative lifelong alcohol consumption alters auditory brainstem potentials
Elisabeth Stephanie Smith1, Herbert Riechelmann
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ulm, Germany. elismith20001@yahoo.com
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|April 16, 2004
Summary
Heavy alcohol consumption significantly delays brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) in individuals with normal hearing. Even low-risk drinking can alter these auditory brainstem responses, indicating potential brainstem damage from alcohol.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Alcohol abuse is prevalent in the US and Europe, potentially causing central auditory tract damage.
- Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) assess central auditory pathways.
- The study investigated alcohol's impact on BAEPs in normal-hearing individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively and qualitatively assess the influence of cumulative lifelong alcohol consumption on BAEPs.
- To explore the relationship between alcohol intake levels and auditory pathway function.
Main Methods:
- BAEPs were measured in 38 male subjects (19 tumor patients, 19 plastic surgery patients).
- Alcohol and nicotine consumption were assessed via questionnaires, blood tests, and audiometry.
- Subjects represented a spectrum of alcohol consumption behaviors.
Main Results:
- High-risk drinkers showed significantly delayed latency I-V compared to low-risk drinkers.
- A logarithmic relationship was observed between BAEP latencies and cumulative alcohol consumption.
- Alcohol consumption patterns varied between patient groups.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol consumption demonstrably damages the brainstem.
- Even low-risk alcohol consumption can significantly alter auditory evoked brainstem potentials.
- Cumulative alcohol intake has a logarithmic effect on brainstem auditory function.